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Code Signing Validation
What is Code Signing Validation?
Code signing validation is the process of verifying the digital signature attached to software artifacts (e.g., executables, libraries, scripts) to confirm the authenticity and integrity of the code. It ensures that a trusted source signed the software and hasn’t been tampered with since it was signed.
Why validate code signatures?
Unsigned or improperly signed code presents a significant security risk. Malicious actors often modify legitimate applications or inject malware into packages. Without code signing validation, end users and systems cannot confidently trust that the software is safe, unaltered, or from a verified publisher.
How code signing validation works
The validation process involves:
- Extracting the digital signature from the software artifact
- Verifying the certificate chain, ensuring it traces back to a trusted certificate authority (CA)
- Checking revocation status using CRL or OCSP to see if the certificate has been invalidated
- Confirming integrity by hashing the file and comparing it to the signed hash
- Evaluating timestamping to verify that the signature was valid at the time of signing
Validation can occur on endpoints, during CI/CD workflows, or as part of artifact repository checks
Benefits
- Prevents Unauthorized Code Execution: Blocks unsigned or altered software from running
- Supports Regulatory Compliance: Required for secure boot, FDA, FedRAMP, and other frameworks
- Protects Brand Reputation: Ensures customers only receive authentic, unmodified software
- Enables Trusted Software Distribution:Establishes cryptographic assurance in the supply chain
Code Signing Validation vs
Topic | Focus Area | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|
Digital Signature Verification | Confirms the authenticity of documents | Code signing validation is specific to software artifacts |
Provenance Validation | Validates the origin of the software | Code signing is one method of verifying provenance |
SBOM Validation | Confirms declared components | SBOM validation checks content; code signing validates identity and integrity |
Code signing validation best practices
- Enforce signature verification in OS policies, CI/CD pipelines, and application launchers
- Reject expired, revoked, or self-signed certificates in production environments
- Require timestamping and certificate pinning for high-trust use cases
- Monitor for known abused or stolen certificates used in malware campaigns
Use cases
- Endpoint Protection Enforcement: Blocking unsigned or invalidly signed code from executing
- Secure CI/CD Pipeline Verification: Ensuring only signed artifacts are promoted to production
- Software Procurement Security:Verifying vendor-supplied binaries before integration
Additional considerations
- Ensure build pipelines securely store and use private signing keys
Not all code signing implies safety — signatures only confirm source and integrity, not behavior - Combine with behavioral analysis and SBOM comparison for more substantial assurance
- Monitor trusted certificate issuers and revoke internal trust when misused
